Health Official Who Deleted Covid Messages Appointed to Ministry of Defence Role Amid Criticism
Professor Jason Leitch's appointment as Chief of Defence Medical draws fire from patient campaigners concerned about past roles.
Patient campaigners have voiced significant concerns following the appointment of Professor Jason Leitch to a senior medical position within the Ministry of Defence. Professor Leitch, who previously served as Scotland's national clinical director, has been named the new Chief of Defence Medical.
His new role, set to begin on November 2, will involve leading Defence Medical Command and preparing military healthcare for future operational demands. The Ministry of Defence highlighted his extensive experience in clinical leadership, health policy, and organizational transformation, noting his role as a trusted public voice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, critics point to controversies from his previous positions. Concerns have been raised regarding his involvement during a period of failings in patient care involving disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel at NHS Tayside. Additionally, Professor Leitch faced scrutiny during the UK COVID-19 inquiry for his practice of deleting private pandemic-related messages, which he described as a "pre-bed ritual" in May 2021.
Jules Rose, a former patient harmed by Eljamel and a leading campaigner for a public inquiry, expressed dismay at the appointment. She stated that the Eljamel inquiry has revealed significant failures in supervision and patient safety, questioning Professor Leitch's long-standing association with Tayside and his relationship with former CEO Gerry Marr during a period of "light-touch supervision."
Rose further criticized the deletion of COVID-19 messages as a sign of insincerity and questioned the due diligence process for his new role. "How many times can he move on to another influential position before questions are properly asked and answered?" Rose asked, adding that the appointment feels like "another kick in the teeth" to victims.
Professor Leitch, in a statement, expressed his privilege to join Defence Medical Command, emphasizing his career spent improving healthcare. "My first priority will be to listen and learn - understanding our people, our patients and the operational needs of the armed forces," he said. General Sir Rob Magowan, Commander of Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, welcomed the appointment, stating that Professor Leitch's leadership will be vital for modernizing defense healthcare and ensuring the armed forces are prepared for evolving threats.